So in an ill conceived attempt to work out some opportunities to explore ruins in Atlanta I joined this UER group, and was immediately disciplined for my failure to fully recognize the collaborative and communal efforts to locate, share, and protect ruined and abandoned sites. I just walked in here thinking I could hire a fixer and be given a disney-fied tour of such spaces, without ingratiating myself with this community. My identification with the places I was seeking out sidestepped the people with whom I share such identifications and this may have been for reasons I did not anticipate or for reasons I still have yet to learn.

For those who took the time to message/respond to me with sagely wisdom and advice, I sincerely thank you. To those who looked at my pictures that I posted in order to begin building my "cred," I thank you for sharing in this act of looking at something we all seem to appreciate at one level or another. And to the a-holes who mocked me, thanks for reminding me that internet forums seem to be a place where wit perpetually goes to die. Perhaps my initial role as your punching bag will, if nothing else, help you on your path toward actually being funny some day. ;) (touché)

But in all seriousness, by noting my bumbling entrance in this introduction I hope I am highlighting some of my sincerity in appreciating many of the reasons you all (and I) do what we do. I look forward to meeting some of you in the future, either at a gathering or in the virtual world!

==SDK

You are forgiven my son. Now go! And sin no more...

You weren't the first, and you certainly won't be the last. Keep on exploring and contributing, and people will quickly forget your initial impression. Don't worry about it, though. It's really not a big deal. Lastly, welcome!

Welcome to UER.

Had a look through your post history and you haven't committed any egregious errors. Many new members ask for locations before fully comprehending why that's a faux pas. There's an economy of location-sharing going on here based on trust, and it's too much to ask for a stranger to expect handouts right away. If you learn from your mistakes and take everyone's reactions in stride, which you've done, you'll probably be a good fit for this community.

Welcome to UER! Good for you for learning from your mistakes and acting in a mature manner. I look forward to seeing more posts from you!